15 terrorists liquidated in Khuzdar, Bannu

President, premier laud security forces

Security forces killed 10 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khuzdar, Balochistan, while five terrorists were eliminated and several others injured in a separate joint operation by police and security forces in Bannu, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday.

According to security sources, the operation was launched in the Shor Parod area of Khuzdar district on the basis of "credible intelligence" regarding the presence of terrorists affiliated with Fitna al Hindustan.

The federal government last year designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al Hindustan, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through these outfits.

Meanwhile, terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taiban (TTP) were labelled as Fitna al Khawarij.

During the operation, security forces "effectively engaged" and surrounded multiple terrorist hideouts. The terrorists were present in three "small groups", resulting in an intense exchange of fire between the security forces and the terrorists, the sources said.

The operation resulted in the killing of 10 terrorists, while several others were injured, security sources added.

Following the operation, security forces intensified search and clearance operation to track down the remaining terrorists who managed to flee.

The forces vowed to continue operations until the complete elimination of terrorism.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Saturday paid tribute to the security forces for the IBO against the terrorists in Khuzdar.

"Timely action against various hideouts of terrorists is a proof of the professionalism of the security forces," the president said in a statement.

"The pursuit of the anti-state terrorist elements should continue till the end. The sacrifices and determination of the security forces to thwart the nefarious intentions of the terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan are commendable," he added.

In a separate statement, the premier lauded the security forces for "successful operations against terrorists who are enemies of humanity, are a manifestation of the expertise of our security forces".

He noted that the entire nation stood by the security forces in the war against terrorism.

"We are determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country," he prime minister said.

 

Five terrorists killed in Bannu

Five terrorists were killed and several others injured during a joint IBO by police and security forces in various areas of Domel in Bannu on Saturday, police said.

According to police, the operation was launched following reports of the presence of terrorists and suspicious movement in Sadraun, Akbar Ali Khan Kala and adjoining areas.

The operation was led by Bannu District Police Officer (DPO) Capt (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal, with personnel from the Bannu police and security forces taking part.

Sources said security personnel cordoned off the area from multiple directions, while drones were also used to monitor suspected hideouts and the movement of terrorists.

An exchange of fire took place between the security personnel and terrorists during the operation. Initial reports suggested that five terrorists were killed and several others wounded.

Police said the injured terrorists were taken away by their accomplices, who fled towards bushes and difficult-to-access areas.

The police and security forces subsequently expanded their search and clearance operation in the area. Security personnel continued to search for suspected terrorist hideouts, temporary shelters and possible escape routes, while searches were also conducted at various locations to eliminate potential threats.

According to police sources, the operation was conducted on the basis of intelligence reports and aimed at eliminating the presence of terrorists in the area, targeting their suspected hideouts and ensuring the safety and security of local residents.

Officials said further details regarding the identities of the terrorists killed and injured, as well as weapons and other equipment recovered during the operation, would be released after its completion.

Police officials said all available resources would be utilised to maintain law and order, protect citizens and take effective action against terrorist elements.

The administration and police also urged local residents to immediately report any suspicious individuals, movements or unusual activities to law enforcement agencies to help prevent potential terrorist threats.

(Nasruminallah from Miranshah contributed to the story)